Do you want to make a difference to the lives of learners of all ages with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND)? In an increasingly diverse global society, there is a developing awareness of systems, practices and environments which enable people to achieve and develop to their individual potential. With our unique BA (Hons) Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion degree, you will explore the role of education in promoting inclusion, helping you to gain experience and specialist knowledge to enable you to achieve your professional aspirations. This degree is for those planning a fulfilling career in a diverse range of areas, including primary or further education teaching, as well as roles in the community.

We will explore the concepts of inclusion, marginalisation, and disability both within education and across wider society through a range of exciting modules, helping you to understand and respond to complex issues in professional practice. You will get to grips with the concept of SEND and inclusion within wider education. You will also examine complex issues surrounding inclusive provision in education and wider society. You will be graduating with a wealth of valuable personable experience and knowledge, but also the understanding to empower you as an advocate for marginalised individuals and groups.

From day one, we’ll help you give real-life context to your studies and gain hands-on experience. Enhanced work-based learning and placement opportunities available through the Nottingham Institute of Education, Children and Youth will give you industry experience - making you even more attractive to future employers. So, whether you’re new to the world of work or are planning a career change, you will be well prepared with our extensive network of 600 partnerships in settings, schools, colleges and the community.

Hands-on work experience

throughout your course, in a variety of educational employment roles through over 600 partnerships with local schools, colleges and health care organisations.

Learn from highly qualified tutors

100% of Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion students say the teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2026).

Gain Masters credits

In Year Three, achieve up to 40 integrated credits at level 7, allowing you to submit work at Masters level, giving you the opportunity to transition APAL onto a part-time Masters in education programme.

Exceptional facilities

such as our Clifton Forest School, as well as opportunities to engage in sensory integration activities and Rebound Therapy.

The BA (Hons) Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion degree is for those interested in working with learners of all ages with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities. It explores national and international inclusive practice for all learners and examines a range of theoretical discourses alongside practical strategies and interventions.

It includes experiential learning opportunities throughout educational and other settings, across all age phases incorporating multidisciplinary approaches. The course creates valuable employment opportunities for mainstream and specialist education and associated professions and other academic development routes.

Module information

A standard full-time BA (Hons) course is made up of 120 credits studied each year. Some courses may vary, however, and you can find information on the total number of credits achieved per module below.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the

Year OneYear TwoFinal YearOptional placement year

ModulesExpand all +

Lifelong Learning & Development

This module provides an overview of core psychology and sociology theories relevant to a range of topics that will be explored in more depth later in the course.

20 credits

Outdoor Learning

This module will enable you to explore the potential of outdoor learning environments in supporting young children in both their learning and holistic development.

At the core of this module there will be hands-on outdoor sessions to challenge you to use the natural world and seasonal variations to promote engagement, teamwork, creativity and increase self-confidence in young people.

Academic Writing and Study Skills

This module supports you in your transition into Higher Education and in understanding what is expected at this level of study and beyond.

You'll develop skills in presenting, evaluating and interpreting literature sources and reading in preparation for academic writing.

What is Education?

This module will explore key theoretical concepts and approaches, including connections between theory and observations from your placement setting.

It will help you to develop and present a reasoned argument about educational issues in a coherent way, integrating examples from your two-week placement to support your analysis.

Whose Responsibility is Inclusion?

This module investigates key concepts and issues around inclusion.

You'll explore changing attitudes and approaches to learners with a range of diverse needs.

You'll learn about differing perspectives on inclusion and identify how these have influenced educational practice and provision for learners with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Introducing Special Educational Needs and Disability

This module introduces what we mean by Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND).

You'll learn how the term is defined in legislation and educational policy and practice, as well as considering issues of labelling.

It will look at those with a range of additional needs, such as those on the autism spectrum, those with Down's Syndrome, dyslexia, Social and Emotional Difficulties and Mental Health (SEMH) and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD).

Professional Placement

You'll develop professional skills through work-based learning in a placement setting which focuses on inclusive practice.

Whilst on your placement, you'll be expected to reflect critically upon your own individual placement experiences.

Disability and Society

This module explores the key issues that affect the lives of children and adults with disabilities and the impact these have on their opportunities to participate fully in learning and in society.

Links will be made to the broader concepts of human rights and social justice.

Meaningful Movement

This module examines the complexities of independent and organised physical activities for learners with a range of needs and disabilities.

You'll critically review existing physical education expectations and consider the challenges and limitations these may present for diverse groups and individuals with SEND.

Becoming an Inclusive Researcher

This module focuses on research design in Education, specifically in the context of SEND.

You'll consider how research can be made inclusive for ALL participants including those who require creative or adapted methods.

Inclusive Education in a Global World

This module introduces marginalisation in education and in a wider society.

You'll focus on specific marginalised groups targeted by inclusion-focused initiatives in education.

You'll cover international projects that allow the development of inclusive education.

You'll also consider ways in which inclusion-related efforts could be improved as well as their limitations.

Inclusion in Practice

This module explores how learning environments can be made more inclusive of learners with a range of special educational needs or disabilities.

You'll explore a range of inclusive practices, the literature around good practice in implementation and the challenges inherent in implementing them.

Research Project

You'll research and write a dissertation in an area of your own academic interest, in relation to Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion.

40 credits

Supporting Diverse Learners

This module investigates how the needs of diverse learners are met in our educational system.

You'll critically evaluate provision for learners who may be marginalised both in society and education, such as Looked After Children, EAL learners, Refugees and Asylum Seekers and Traveller children amongst others.

Embedding Inclusive Leaderful Practice

This module focuses on how leaderful practitioners respond to the constant changes, challenges and expectations of education structures, systems and policy.

You'll look at national, local, and setting level implications across the sector.

Multi-disciplinary Working with Agencies, Families & Settings

This module explores the multi-professional nature of inclusive practice, focusing on the requirements of working with agencies across health and care.

You'll consider the importance of learners and their families at the centre of decisions about their own education and care provision.

A short professional placement experience will support your understanding of sectors who work in partnership with inclusive education, families and individual learners with a range of SEND.

You may choose to take an optional year-long placement in Year Three.

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

Student experience

Millie Cartwright

Special Educational Needs Disability and Inclusion student

“I attended a college in Toronto, Canada as a summer schooling opportunity. Here I studied ‘Children, Play and Creativity’ for a month. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I am extremely grateful to NTU for making it possible.”

Read Millie's profile

Caitlin Cable

“There are so many opportunities available at NTU but it’s down to you to be active in taking advantage of them!”

Read Caitlin's profile

Evie Hall

“My biggest highlight was my second year placement in Boston, USA, where I spent five weeks in an adult disability community programme. This experience gave me a completely new perspective on supporting adults with disabilities within community settings.”

Read Evie's profile

Linda Ogbolugo

“Through numerous placements in both mainstream and specialist settings, I have gained valuable experience in supporting children with a wide range of needs, including autism, ADHD and speech and language difficulties.”

Read Linda's profile

Video Gallery

How you're taught

How will I study?

We've introduced flexible and innovative ways of learning and teaching to develop your study skills and understanding of the integration of theory and practice.

Learning and teaching methods include:

active collaborative learning

lectures

seminar discussions

practical and project work

workshops

placements, experiential learning and work-like experiences.

How will I be assessed?

There are no formal exams during these courses; we use a variety of assessment types to allow you to demonstrate your strengths across a number of skill sets.

Excellent placement opportunities

Throughout this course there are several opportunities to explore different career ambitions and gain workplace experience. To help you acquire real-work experience, you will be provided different work placements each year, in a variety of educational settings.

Putting your studies into practice helps you to understand your subject and its application in real-life. Placement opportunities support you both professionally and personally by ensuring you develop the key skills that will make you more employable at the end of your studies.

How you're assessed

Year 1 coursework

Year 2 coursework

Year 3 coursework

Contact hours

You will have around 10 – 12 hours per week of contact time (lectures, seminars or workshops) with our teaching staff which is around 30% of a full-time week. Approximately 90% of our teaching is in-person. The remaining 70% of your time will be devoted to independent study.

Who will teach you?

Rachael Webster

Senior Lecturer

Lecturer in Special and Inclusive Education

Sensory Impairments

Communication and Interaction

Early Years

Visit Rachael Webster's staff profile

Entry requirements

UK students

Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications.

Contextual offer: 104 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications.

To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.

Additional requirements

Additional requirements for UK students

An Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS check and a satisfactory placement suitability check.

Contextual offers

We consider every application in the context of your individual circumstances and educational background. This may include information about where you live, the school or college you attended, or experiences that may have shaped your educational journey. This is known as a contextual offer, and we use information provided through UCAS to help inform our decisions. By considering achievement in context, we can better recognise academic potential and ensure applicants are assessed as fairly and fully as possible.

Meeting our entry requirements

Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.

Other qualifications and experience

NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.

We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.

Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.

International students

Academic entry requirements: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four A levels. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.

English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

Additional international requirements

Additional requirements for international students

If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Foundation preparation course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City Campus.

English language requirements

View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.

If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.

If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.

You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.

Sign up for emails

Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.

If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students - see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

£10,050 per year

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including NTU bursaries and scholarships.

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees, including the placement year and study abroad options are subject to government policy and may change in future years of study.

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but we don’t want you to feel anxious or confused about it. Visit our fees and funding pages if you have any concerns.

International students - see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.

£18,400 per year

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees might increase from the second year of your undergraduate course, in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.

Scholarships

We offer international scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for a scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money and the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment as part of your offer conditions. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, in order to enrol on the course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about your advance payment, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Your modules will point you to key textbooks and recommended reading. Many are available online, and in our libraries, but some students choose to buy their own copies. You’ll receive resource lists showing where to access eBooks, digital resources and physical copies. Our friendly Library team is always on hand to help you find what you need.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Field trips

All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, phone the Student Money Team on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

Cost of living in Nottingham

Our student benefits and free services

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Money advice for international students

Careers and employability

Your career development

What skills will I develop?

You develop specific skills relating to educational issues, theories of learning, equality and diversity, education policy and practice, creativity and education, and a general understanding of education in social, political and economic contexts.

You also gain skills that are useful in a variety of job sectors:

communication skills - presenting effective oral and written arguments

IT skills

research and analytical skills

interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team

problem-solving skills

organisation and time management skills - prioritising your academic/part-time workloads and reflecting on and improving personal practice.

How can I boost my career prospects?

Achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through completion of the PGCE or equivalent postgraduate qualification is a popular route for Education graduates.

Alternatively, you may wish to take a Masters course in education or a related social science in order to develop your understanding of the theory, research and policy of education, and to enhance your professional knowledge, skills and practice. Some Education graduates go on to study for a PhD in education.

Your future career

This Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion degree will provide a framework for a wide variety of possible careers. As well as roles based in schools and the wider childcare and education sector, students may also consider sectors such as adult care and education, hospitals and hospices, children’s charities, local authorities and services and many others.

Links with industry

We involve industry experts in our courses in a number of ways.

We consult with employers when we design and update our courses.

We ensure you are prepared to meet the demands of the workplace by continually checking the currency and validity of our courses with employers.

You will have the opportunity to have a work placement (if not already in paid or voluntary employment).

Employers may input directly into your course through guest lectures, projects, and other work-related activities.

Learn a new language

Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have.

Learning a new language can:

enhance your communication skills

enrich your experience when travelling abroad

boost your career prospects.

Find out more about the University Language Programme.

Guaranteed interview scheme: teacher-training

One of the benefits of the course is the broad knowledge and experience you will gain. This experience may lead you to consider teaching, even if you have not considered this as a career before.

If you complete your degree, you are guaranteed an interview for a PGCE Primary teacher-training course at NTU during your final undergraduate year (subject to places being available).

Terms and conditions apply:

Applications will be withdrawn and not be progressed to interview stage once all places are filled on relevant courses.

Interviews are subject to you meeting the essential entry criteria for the PGCE course at the time of application, such as GCSE requirements, degree grade.

An interview does not guarantee an offer to study on the course.

Alumni Discount

Students continuing with postgraduate study at NTU may be eligible for 20% off postgraduate course fees as part of our Alumni Discount.

Employability Promise

Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it’s all part of our Employability Promise. And it doesn’t end when you leave NTU – you’ll have access to all our careers services for three years after you graduate (conditions apply).

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course have successful careers in organisations such as:

Multi-academy trusts

Local government

Charities and the third sector

Early years settings

Our graduates are…

Graduates from this course now work in a wide range of roles such as:

Social workers

Senior early years practitioners

Special educational needs coordinators

Learning support assistants

Assessed work-like experience

We’ve embedded at least eight weeks of assessed work-like experience into all of our courses. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in real-world scenarios, build your confidence, and develop the experience employers are looking for.

NTU Enterprise

If you’re a budding entrepreneur, NTU Student Enterprise can help you to develop your ideas and innovations and turn them into a reality. We also offer training, mentoring, workshops, financial advice and more to develop your business skills.

Where your course could take you

Discover how our students and alumni used their qualification to further their careers. Take a look at our other profiles and explore the possibilities awaiting you.

Isabelle develops her skills as a teaching assistant

Through a primary school placement, Isabelle builds hands‑on classroom experience, supporting different learning needs and preparing for work in education.

View Isabelle Iskandarani's profile

Campus and facilities

You’ll mainly be studying in the Ada Byron King building, home to the Nottingham Institute of Education, Children and Youth.

Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep our students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your coursemates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!

You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.

Ada Byron King

For more information visit the Ada Byron King page.

Clifton Library

For more information visit the Clifton Library page.

NTSU Clifton Campus

For more information visit the NTSU Clifton Campus page.

IT facilities Clifton Campus

For more information visit the IT facilities Clifton Campus page.

Take a virtual tour

Applying

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Apply through UCAS

You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.

Please read our application guidance before you start your application.

We advise you to prepare and apply as early as you can as Student visa processing time can vary.

We'll send you important emails throughout the application process. Please check your emails regularly, including your junk/spam mail folder.

Apply through NTU portal

Personal statement guidance

You’ll submit a personal statement with your UCAS application – here are our tips on what to include and how to structure your personal statement.

Application support

If you have any questions about applying, get in touch through our online form or call us on 44 (0)115 848 4200.

Related courses

Education Studies

BA (Hons)

Education Studies and Psychology

More from this subject

View more courses on the Childhood, Education and Teacher Training subject page

Further study

View Childhood, Education and Teacher Training postgraduate courses

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